Let's talk South Okanagan – Similkameen

This South Okanagan – Similkameen national park reserve public consultation process is Parks Canada’s opportunity to share the latest information on the proposed national park reserve boundaries, provide an overview on key aspects related to land management, consider the views shared by the public in past consultations and invite new questions.

This is your opportunity, as members of the local community, region, and as Canadians, to provide further feedback and have your say.

Between December 10, 2018 and February 28, 2019, Parks Canada invites Canadians to discuss the proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan – Similkameen.

This South Okanagan – Similkameen national park reserve public consultation process is Parks Canada’s opportunity to share the latest information on the proposed national park reserve boundaries, provide an overview on key aspects related to land management, consider the views shared by the public in past consultations and invite new questions.

This is your opportunity, as members of the local community, region, and as Canadians, to provide further feedback and have your say.

Between December 10, 2018 and February 28, 2019, Parks Canada invites Canadians to discuss the proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan – Similkameen.

Allowable activities within the proposed national park reserve include

Horseback riding

Fishing

Mountain biking in designated areas

Hiking/Trail Running

Non-Motorized Hang Gliding and Paragliding

Camping (front-country and back-country)

Star gazing/photography

Nature appreciation and wildlife viewing

Off Road Vehicle Use for operational purposes
(e.g. grazing tenure holders or national park reserve operations for fence
repair) as per the British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act and the Off-Road Vehicle
Act.

These activities will be managed within a conservation framework that
emphasizes... Continue reading

Allowable activities within the proposed national park reserve include

Horseback riding

Fishing

Mountain biking in designated areas

Hiking/Trail Running

Non-Motorized Hang Gliding and Paragliding

Camping (front-country and back-country)

Star gazing/photography

Nature appreciation and wildlife viewing

Off Road Vehicle Use for operational purposes
(e.g. grazing tenure holders or national park reserve operations for fence
repair) as per the British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act and the Off-Road Vehicle
Act.

These activities will be managed within a conservation framework that
emphasizes the maintenance of ecological integrity, visitor safety and quality
visitor experiences.

Are there other activities you would like included
as an allowable activity in the proposed national park reserve?

The
federal government has no jurisdiction over property rights on privately-owned
land adjacent to the boundaries of a national park reserve. Hunting is administered
by the owner of those lands, subject to the British Columbia Wildlife Act. Parks
Canada will work with owners of private lands who allow hunting in order to
streamline activities.

The
transport of firearms is a federal law that applies in all of the provinces and
territories in Canada (the Storage, Display, Transportation and Handling of
Firearms by Individuals Regulations). The enabling Act for those
Regulations... Continue reading

The
federal government has no jurisdiction over property rights on privately-owned
land adjacent to the boundaries of a national park reserve. Hunting is administered
by the owner of those lands, subject to the British Columbia Wildlife Act. Parks
Canada will work with owners of private lands who allow hunting in order to
streamline activities.

The
transport of firearms is a federal law that applies in all of the provinces and
territories in Canada (the Storage, Display, Transportation and Handling of
Firearms by Individuals Regulations). The enabling Act for those
Regulations is the Firearms Act. The law and act apply inside national
parks and national park reserves.

If you
are transporting a firearm through a national park reserve to another
destination it must be unloaded, disabled and securely encased as per federal
law.

The
federal, provincial and Syilx/Okanagan governments agree that the South
Okanagan – Similkameen
offers potential for the establishment of a national park reserve. National
parks and national park reserves represent the very best that Canada has to
offer and tell stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and
contributions of Indigenous peoples. The proposed national park reserve would
enable the inspiring South Okanagan – Similkameen landscape to be
shared with local residents, British Columbians, Canadians and visitors from
around the world.

The
federal, provincial and Syilx/Okanagan governments agree that the South
Okanagan – Similkameen
offers potential for the establishment of a national park reserve. National
parks and national park reserves represent the very best that Canada has to
offer and tell stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and
contributions of Indigenous peoples. The proposed national park reserve would
enable the inspiring South Okanagan – Similkameen landscape to be
shared with local residents, British Columbians, Canadians and visitors from
around the world.

Parks Canada makes a substantial economic
contribution to Canada’s economy. Through the spending of the organization and from
the visitors, a significant and widespread economic impact is felt throughout
the country and within local communities. Click here for more information.

As planning progresses, Parks Canada will work with
local chambers of commerce and tourism associations to collaborate on
meaningful, genuine and authentic experiences on the land, which promote
respect and teach the value of protecting and conserving all living things for
the benefit of all, present and future.

Videos

Click here to play video
The Language of Reconciliation: Elders’ Circle
A diverse group of elders gathered on traditional Musqueam territory to discuss reconciliation. To learn more about reconciliation visit http://reconciliationcanada.ca/

Click here to play video
Waskesiu: Reducing the risk of wildfire - Prince Albert National Park
Prescribed fire is used in Prince Albert National Park, SK, to reduce the risk of wildfire in the town site of Waskesiu. For more info: http://parkscanada.gc.ca/fire